Posts Tagged ‘batt insulation’

 

How To Install Batt Insulation

Saturday, July 6th, 2013

How To Install Batt Insulation - Handyman

Are you looking to install insulation in a room, but do not have access to the machinery needed to blow loose-fill material into place? With the products on today’s market, insulating has never been so user-friendly. Batt insulation comes in pre-cut panels, and all you have to do is install them. You don’t even have to be a master handyman.

Batt insulation comes in a variety of materials — from fiberglass and cotton to mineral. Each of these materials has their share of advantages and disadvantages. Once you investigate and find out which material will work best for you, purchase the batts in the appropriate dimensions.

How To Install Batt Insulation

1. The spaces between wall studs are the primary areas you need to fill with insulation. It is very important that you fit the insulation in these gaps tightly. You do not want any gaps or empty space — it will decrease the efficiency of the heating and cooling system of your home.

2. Use a tape measure to get an exact measurement of the space you are looking to fill. Use a utility knife to cut the insulation batts when needed. You want the dimensions of the batts to be a little oversized, so you can cram the batts in for a tight fit.

3. If wires or cables run through the stud cavity, that does not mean you should skip the area. Instead, split apart the insulation batt. Install half of the batt behind the wiring and the other half in front.

4. Remember to insulate around windows and doors. While these spaces are small in comparison to the stud cavities, they are important. A lot of cold or hot air can infiltrate a home through these gaps. Always fit the insulation first and cut after. This ensures a tight fit.

5. Always wear protective goggles and gloves. While fiberglass is not a hazard you should worry about having in your home, handling it excessively can irritate your eyes, skin, and even lungs. Protect yourself appropriately.

Use Talk Local To Find Help

TalkLocal offers a vast directory of qualified professionals in your area who know how to install batt insulation. Finding them is easy and free, and we’ll connect you with them directly.

Different Types Of Batt Insulation

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Different Types Of Batt Insulation - Handyman

Proper insulation is essential in a home to help with heating and cooling. Without effective insulation, warm or cold air can easily escape, leading to sky-high energy bills. It also helps with soundproofing rooms.

Insulation can be comprised of a variety of materials and come in various forms. Batt insulation is one of those forms. While there are different types of batt insulation, all of it comes woven together and can be purchased in panels. This makes it a lot easier to install than loose-fill insulation, which has to be blown into the wall with a giant hose, usually by a trained professional.

If you are a do-it-yourselfer, and installing batt insulation seems like a task you can easily handle, consider some of these different types of batt insulation.

Fiberglass: Of the different types of batt insulation, this is easily the most common. A large amount of fiberglass is produced from recycled glass. This glass is heated up and melted. Once it is melted, it is woven into small fibers. The glass fibers are bound together to create the panels of insulation. It is important to remember that when handling fiberglass, you must always wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses.

Cotton: Some people fear that fiberglass will put harmful materials into the air of a home. While this is not concern that many professionals deem legitimate, if you want to be safe, you can pick up cotton batt insulation. Cotton is very common, so you know it is not harmful. In fact, you will require very few safety precautions when handling this type of batt insulation. To make it a more effective insulation, a flame-retardant chemical is applied.

Minerals: Some batt insulation is comprised of mineral materials like basalt and slag. This type of insulation is generally used in commercial buildings, and is a lot denser than the other types of insulation. It is also incredibly flame-retardant and helps in situations where supreme soundproofing is required.

Need Someone To Install Your Batt Insulation?

Even though the different types of batt insulation are easy to install on your own, you may require a hand. If so, simply log on to TalkLocal and quickly and easily find someone that can help.